The Galaxy S21 is the same price as the iPhone 12, but there are still challenges ahead

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series is now official and while the Ultra-variant is a notable upgrade from its predecessor. The standard and Plus models have taken a step back in some areas. South Korean outlet The election speculate it may have something to do with the unpopularity of the Galaxy S20 series.

The S20 phones were released in March last year, just as the coronavirus was taking hold around the world. The devices were also on the higher end of the price spectrum. Sales have never really risen, which is apparently why the range is are discontinued in the major markets.

The starting price of the new models has been reduced by $ 200 at the expense of the microSD slot, charging brick and earphones.

The Galaxy S21 Ultra has a 6.8-inch screen with QHD + (3,200×1,440) resolution and a 515 PPI. It also supports a 120Hz refresh rate at QHD +. The S20 Ultra only supported this refresh rate with FHD.

The S21 and S21 Plus have an FHD + resolution (2,400×1,080), which is unusual for premium phones. Even last year’s S20 and S20 Plus have a QHD + (3,200×1,440) resolution.

The S21 and S21 Plus have a PPI of 421 and 394 respectively. In contrast, the predecessors offer a PPI of 563 and 525. Samsung claims that lower PPI is not exactly a specification downgrade and says the standard and the Plus models have a higher peak brightness than their predecessors (an increase from 1,200 nets to 1,300 nets).

Regardless of what the company says, it is clear that it has prioritized cost savings over specifications and features. Whether the strategy will work remains to be seen.

It may be a bad idea to launch the new phones earlier than usual

According to a analysis by research firm Counterpoint Research, although the new phones are likely to perform slightly better than the S20, they may not perform as well as the Galaxy S10. The prediction was made based on factors such as extended replacement cycles, increased competition, the proximity to the iPhone 12 version and uncertainty around pricing.

The research firm noted that the delay with the launch of the iPhone 12 and the accelerated release of the S21 series puts Samsung’s new phones within twelve weeks of the launch of the iPhone 12, something that is “not ideal from a price comparison point of view”. . “

The firm also said that the iPhone 12 has a good point with the base price of $ 799 and that the price of S21 should improve from S20 levels “to avoid Samsung disappointment.”

Now, the phones are out now, and it’s clear that Samsung has been listening because S21’s starting price matches the iPhone 12’s entry price.

This does not guarantee that the Galaxy S21 will overtake the iPhone 12 in shipping it looks remarkably good. Counterpoint Research’s Director of US Mobile Devices and Carrying Strategies Explains Why:

The smartphone industry has also come under a lot of pressure and Chinese retailers are not only releasing mid-to-low-end phones with competing specifications, but also more flagship devices. Per counterpoint, the S10 struggled in 2018 with nearly $ 48,800 plus phones. The S21 will have to compete with more than 65.

Source